Five QB battles to watch heading into training camp

Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson vs. Gardner Minshew

Rolling with Minshew in Week 1 and taking it game-by-game is probably the Colts’ best strategy, but when you have a player as dynamic and exciting as Richardson, it’s hard to keep him on the bench, especially if the losses start stacking up.

Head coach Shane Steichen has reportedly been impressed with how quickly Richardson has picked up Indy’s system and his ability to run both the red-zone and hurry-up offense. It appears Minshew is the starter for now, but with a strong training camp and preseason, Richardson could work his way to the top of the depth chart.

San Francisco 49ers: Trey Lance vs. Sam Darnold (vs. Brock Purdy)

Until Purdy is cleared with no limitations, I’m considering this a two-man competition for now, and I have to give the edge to Lance, who has two years in Kyle Shanahan’s system and has a stronger arm and true duel-threat ability. Once Purdy is healthy again, however, the job is clearly his to lose.

Lance and Darnold split first-team reps during minicamp, and all signs seem to indicate one hasn’t stood out over the other as the clear-cut favorite. That said, if the team has to roll with one until Purdy can play again, one would assume Lance would be the pick. The 23-year-old QB appears to have the backing of his teammates, particularly All-Pro tight end George Kittle, who recently acknowledged Lance looks “significantly better” than he did last season, playing with more confidence and command of the huddle.

Tampa Bay Bucs: Baker Mayfield vs. Kyle Trask

While Mayfield has really only had one successful season in his five-year career, it’s still tough for me to see Trask, who has all of nine career pass attempts, beating him out for Tampa’s starting job.

Mayfield and Trask have been alternating first-team reps during OTAs and minicamp, and reports point to the 28-year-old holding the edge, at least for now. However, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles told reporters on Friday as the team wrapped up minicamp it’s still very much an open competition.

Washington Commanders: Sam Howell vs. Jacoby Brissett

Despite all of the reports coming out of Commanders camp that Howell is the unquestioned No. 1 guy, I’m just not buying it until I have tangible proof that he, in fact, gives Washington a chance to be more competitive than Brissett, a seven-year veteran with 48 starts under his belt.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera has liked what he’s seen from Howell during OTAs and minicamp in terms of mobility and decision making, while his teammates have noticed a better command of the offense and understanding of the playbook. Howell may be the real deal, but Brissett will push him during training camp.